US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed joint military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. Biden stated, "These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea." Sunak called the strikes "necessary and proportionate," citing ongoing Houthi attacks despite warnings. Biden emphasized, "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary." The action aims to counter Houthi threats to freedom of navigation.

In a decisive response to Iran-backed Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted targeted strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen. President Joe Biden emphasized that these actions send a clear message against attacks on personnel and threats to freedom of navigation. The strikes, hitting over a dozen locations, aim to weaken Houthi military capabilities. The Houthis, defying international calls to halt their attacks, claim support for Hamas. The ongoing strikes mark a significant escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The international community, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, supports this united response.      

South African lawyers present a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of planning to "destroy" Gaza, alleging genocidal intent from the highest state level. They call on the court to order Israel to cease military operations in Gaza. Israel vehemently rejects the accusations as "baseless." The court will deliver an opinion on the genocide allegation. Israel defends its actions, citing responses to Hamas attacks. Tensions rise as South Africa contends Israel's actions aim to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian group. The court's ruling, while not enforceable, holds significance in international relations.

Iran has announced the seizure of a ship, St Nicholas, accusing it of previous oil theft. The vessel, initially named Suez Rajan, was transporting 145,000 tonnes of crude oil from Basra, Iraq, to Turkey. Iran alleges this action is in retaliation for the ship's earlier violation, as the US had confiscated it in 2023 for carrying sanctioned Iranian oil allegedly sold by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to China. Tensions rise as the ship is transferred to Iranian ports. This incident follows tit-for-tat seizures in 2023, with the US seizing Suez Rajan and Iran responding by taking other tankers.

Ahead of closing arguments in Donald Trump's civil fraud trial, a bomb threat targeted Judge Arthur Engoron's home, who oversees the case. The threat followed Trump's outburst on Truth Social against the judge. The Nassau County Police deemed it unfounded, continuing the investigation. Engoron and court staff faced previous threats during the trial. This incident adds to the rising wave of threats against officials involved in legal challenges against Trump. The trial resumed unaffected by the threat, focusing on allegations of inflating assets in financing attempts, as detailed in NY Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit.

Scotland plans to ban unlicensed XL bully dogs, aligning with UK legislation due to a surge in rehoming incidents. First Minister Humza Yousaf highlighted the decision amid concerns about XL bully dogs flowing into Scotland. The move follows recent regulations in England and Wales, implemented after attacks. Yousaf emphasized the need for public safety, hinting at a replicated legislation soon. The Scottish SPCA supports measures against irresponsible ownership rather than breed-specific bans. Decision details will be provided to the Scottish Parliament, addressing the recent influx and ensuring community safety.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called off its sixth planned medical aid mission to Gaza, citing heightened security concerns. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that requests to visit northern Gaza had not been approved, and security assurances were lacking since the agency's last visit on December 26. Intense bombardment, movement restrictions, fuel shortages, and disrupted communications are impeding aid efforts. The Israeli offensive, triggered by a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million population, leaving homes and infrastructure in ruins. Despite a recent pledge to scale down the conflict, fighting has intensified, exacerbating shortages of food, water, and medicine. Currently, only 15 hospitals in Gaza remain partially functional.

Doctors working at al-Aqsa hospital, the only operating medical center in central Gaza, have warned of an impending "unmitigated disaster" as fighting encroaches. British doctors with Medical Aid for Palestinians said only a skeleton crew remains at al-Aqsa as heavy bombardment has forced mass evacuations. With over 600 patients still inside, including many who cannot be moved, the lack of staff puts lives at grave risk. The UN called for the hospital's protection under international law as the closest fighting has flared within just over a mile. Since October, over 23,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed as Israel presses its military campaign against Hamas.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, viewed as a pro-China leader, meets President Xi Jinping in Beijing amid a diplomatic row with India. The visit follows tensions over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi, leading to cancellations of Indian tourist reservations. Muizzu, accorded a red carpet welcome, praises China's Belt and Road Initiative in a speech. The nations reportedly sign a $50 million project for an integrated tourism zone. Seeking more Chinese tourists, Muizzu addresses the Maldives Business Forum. The visit aims to strengthen ties with one of their "closest allies and development partners," while India remains a significant tourism contributor.            

Despite pledging to scale back operations in Gaza earlier this week, Israel intensified airstrikes across the territory Wednesday. The attacks were focused in southern and central areas, including Rafah where 15 members of the Nofal family were killed overnight in an Israeli strike that demolished their home. Other towns reported heavy overnight bombardment as tanks moved deeper into civilian areas. Israel insists the ongoing military campaign is needed to eliminate Hamas, which killed over 1,200 Israelis in an attack last October. But the US has pressed Israel to reduce Gaza's civilian death toll, now topping 23,000. Visiting Ramallah Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated US support for a Palestinian state and PA reforms.